ROME

In a phone call, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reiterated Rome's commitment to Lebanese security and stability amid the conflict in Israel.

Speaking with Lebanese Premier Najib Mikati, Meloni "reaffirmed Italy’s will to continue contributing to the security and stability of Lebanon in these delicate circumstances,” according to a statement by her office.

The two premiers spoke about recent developments in the region, in particular the war which started when Gaza-based resistance group Hamas launched Operation Al-Aqsa Flood against Israel early Saturday.

Meloni expressed her wish for a rapid de-escalation of the conflict, avoiding an enlargement of the conflict, which she warned would have “incalculable consequences” for the whole region.

The conversation also gave the two heads of governments an opportunity to discuss the migration crisis and the issue of Syrian refugees in Lebanon, her office added.

The number of people fleeing Lebanon mainly by sea towards Greek Cyprus and Greece has been rising in recent months.​​​​​​​